Polysubstance abuse is very common with approximately 1 out of every 8 adults struggling with alcohol and drug abuse simultaneously, as stated by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. However common, some substance combinations are more hazardous than others. One such combination is the mixture of methamphetamine and alcohol. To fully understand the…
Within the past decade, the U.S. public has battled a third wave of the seemingly relentless opioid epidemic. The fully-synthetic opioid, Fentanyl, is considered the main contributor to this third wave; however, the U.S. drug market has also seen an increase in stimulant circulation, specifically methamphetamine, which is partially responsible for the increase in overdose…
Lots of intoxicating substances can be fatal when used in excess and some combinations increase the likelihood of overdose and fatality. One such combination is simultaneous alcohol and OxyContin consumption. As legal substances, both drugs are easily accessible and often abused. To fully understand the dangers of this blend, it is important to examine the…
Many addictive substances are dangerous when used in isolation; however, some drug combinations increase the likelihood of developing serious, potentially life-threatening side effects, or overdose. Combining alcohol and cocaine is one such event. The co-occuring ingestion of these substances poses significant health risks and is more harmful than using either of the drugs individually. To…
Many intoxicating substances can be fatal when used in excess; however, some combinations increase the likelihood of overdose and fatality. One such combination is simultaneous alcohol and Xanax consumption. As legal; substances, both drugs are easily accessible and often abused. To fully understand the dangers of this blend, it is important to examine the effects…
Many illicit and prescription drugs can be fatal on their own; however, some drug combinations increase the likelihood of overdose and fatality immensely. One such instance is the combination of substances cocaine and heroin. The ingestion of this hybrid is often referred to as “speedballing”. To fully understand the dangers of this blend, it is…
In today’s society, “self-help” is frequently advertised as a preferential, fulfilling form of self-improvement. Budgeting the family budget without the assistance of a financial advisor would be considered economical self-help while exercising and healthy eating would be physical self-help, and so on. While these practices are commendable, there are areas where these DIY methods should…
Benzodiazepines and opioids can be harmful and potentially fatal on their own; however, combining these two substances should be avoided at all costs. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 16 percent of overdose deaths involving opioids also involved benzodiazepines in 2016. It is important to understand the chemical makeup of these two substances…
What is 12- Step Therapy? A common and traditional therapeutic method, 12-step therapy typically addresses substance abuse and dependency. This therapy is organized into 12 steps that confront the cognitive process in which individuals decide to continue use. Within this model, it is taught that addiction is a decision made by an individual’s entire essence,…
What is Motivational Interview Therapy? Motivational interviewing is a therapeutic method that assists clients in channeling the motivation they need in order to change their behavior. This form of therapy practices functionality and compassion as it acknowledges the difficulty in making life changes. In motivational interviewing, the therapist is accepting and patient while providing clarity…
